Mass Effect Andromeda Dev Explains Reveal of Female Ryder in Trailer

Bioware’s Aaryn Flynn explains the general vibe of choosing one’s main character.

You probably know Ryder, the new protagonist in the upcoming Mass Effect Andromeda, if not through various leaks than via the trailer at E3 2016. It was especially interesting since despite allowing you to play as a male or female Ryder, the trailer showcased the female Ryder all by herself.

Bioware general manager Aaryn Flynn explained the significance of this imagery to Eurogamer, noting that, “When we debuted male Shepard back in 2006 [for Mass Effect], 10 years ago, it was a time when we drew inspiration from traditional entertainment marketing. So: ‘We need a iconic main character. We need an iconic everything else.’

“But I think the whole industry, us included, have moved beyond that. Our games let you choose your main character, I think everyone gets that nowadays. You don’t need to see a character to identify with, in the same way you might on a movie poster. People want to create their own characters, customize them, and we’re embracing that.”

And of course, it’s pretty much accepted now that players can take control of either a male or female Ryder rather than sticking to what the trailer first showcased, which wasn’t really known with the first Mass Effect until it was actually played.

Mass Effect Andromeda is out in early 2017 for Xbox One, PS4 and PC with more information to come in the Fall.